The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) welcomes today’s announcement of a NSW Chief Midwife by Health Minister Ryan Park.
ACM has long advocated for dedicated midwifery leadership at all levels in NSW, including a Chief Midwife role of the same delegation as a Chief Nurse, to improve leadership, and maternity care outcomes for women in NSW, as outlined in our NSW pre-budget submission. https://www.midwives.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/NSW%20pre-budget%20submission%20feb%20new.pdf
ACM Chief Midwife Alison Weatherstone said the role will strengthen maternity care by ensuring midwifery expertise is embedded at the highest levels of decision-making.
“A Chief Midwife for NSW is a vital step forward,” Ms Weatherstone said. “It will provide a clear voice for midwives, and support safe, high-quality care for women, babies and families.”
The establishment of this role reflects increasing national recognition of the vital role midwifery-led leadership plays within health departments, and a commitment by the Minns Government to addressing outcomes of the NSW Birth Trauma Enquiry.
ACM looks forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government to progress midwifery leadership that benefits women, babies, and families across NSW.
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